Cancer unit dance is a huge success

Karen Young (centre) pictured with mum Sheena Young, friends and the Mackintosh family at a fundraising evening held for the Leicester Royal Infirmary's Our Space appeal at Corby's Grampian Centre on Friday 17th February 2012.

Published:09:54Monday 20 February 2012

Revellers danced the night away and raised more than £2,000 for an appeal to help young cancer patients.

More than 350 people attended a gig at the Grampian Club, Corby, on Friday night, in support of the £1.4m Our Space Appeal at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Organiser Karen Young, 23, who has a rare form of leukaemia and receives chemotherapy at the hospital, was overwhelmed by the support she received.

Karen, of Bulwell Green, Corby, said: “I felt really stressed out before the dance but I shouldn’t have worried. Hundreds turned up and everyone had a great time.

“There was tremendous support for the appeal and for me. I saw a lot of people I hadn’t seen since school and they were all so kind. We hit the £2,000 mark but the final total could be more. It’s totally overwhelming. I’m exhausted but it was all worth it.”

The night was such a success Karen is planning another fundraiser at the Grampian Club in November.

The Our Space Appeal is to provide a special unit at the Leicester hospital for children and young people with cancer.

Karen, who was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2010, said: “It can be very difficult when you’re in hospital for weeks at a time. A unit for young people would make a difficult situation much better for patients.”

Duo Persuasion, Corruption and The Desperadoes provided the music.

Corruption also played at The Domino pub, Corby, on Saturday night and donated their fee to the appeal. Karen thanked all the performers and firms who donated prizes for the tombola.